OSWEGO COUNTY- Nearly two weeks after a lake effect snow event brought multiple feet of snow and blizzard conditions to the area, Oswego County agencies continue to respond to the impacts of the storm.
“While roadways have been cleared and conditions have improved, there is still a high need for snow removal support,” said Oswego County Emergency Management Coordinator Tyler Peet. “We are actively working with the state to try to secure additional resources, as our county and community are stretched thin and exhausted. Phone banks are now open for residents to call to request free assistance with snow removal, and call takers are prioritizing requests so those most in need are the first to receive help. Assistance is provided by volunteer organizations and is only available to residents.”
Residents can call 211 or the Oswego County phone bank at 315-349-3330 to request assistance with snow removal. The Oswego County phone bank operates Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., while 211 representatives are available 24/7 for calls. Homeowners will have to provide their name, address, contact information, details about the snow removal needed, and any complicating factors, such as medical concerns, accessibility or functional needs, etc.
“Within the first day of the phone banks being open, 105 requests were made by residents requesting assistance with snow removal,” said Peet. “We anticipate this large demand will continue. Volunteers from Team Rubicon will be in Oswego County today through the weekend to provide snow removal support for residents. Due to the high call volume to the phone banks, it is not guaranteed that every resident requesting assistance will be able to receive these services.”
“Residents should continue pursuing alternative snow removal services in case Team Rubicon is not able to respond,” continued Peet. “If anyone waiting for snow removal services from Team Rubicon ends up receiving help elsewhere, they should call the phone bank back to cancel their request. We encourage people to check on their family members, friends, and neighbors, and assist those in need when possible. Those that live near fire hydrants are asked to help emergency services by clearing them of snow if they can do so safely.”
Oswego County has coordinated with the New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) to provide snow removal from fire hydrants in municipalities that have requested assistance. DOT staff will be in the city of Fulton on Friday clearing 300 fire hydrants.
Throughout the storm, Oswego County has seen a rise in snow removal related injuries and a significant increase in structural collapses.
“We continue to see structural collapses, and we’re currently up to 63 confirmed collapses reported to 911 since the storm event began,” said Oswego County Fire Coordinator Shane Laws. “The Oswego County Special Operations Team continues to assist in life-safety incidents related to collapses with the support of New York Task Force 2 (NY-TF2). The Oswego County Drone Program has also provided structural collapse support by deploying drones to collapse sites to assess the situation and help determine the extent of the damage.”
Residents are reminded to contact a professional for roof snow removal, as the added weight of snow from the recent rain causes an increased potential for collapses. People should also be cautious of heavy melting snow falling from roofs. Anyone at risk of a collapse or experiencing one should immediately call 911. Those displaced due to a collapse may be able to receive temporary assistance from the American Red Cross.
Callers to the snow removal assistance phone banks should be aware that they may not receive help on the same day that they request it. Those approved for services can expect volunteers to arrive the next day, at the earliest. Homeowners must be home at the time of service in order to sign a waiver for Team Rubicon. Volunteers will provide snow removal to ensure members of the household and emergency services are able to quickly and safely access the residence. They will be assisting with shoveling, clearing of exterior vents and meters, and roof raking when possible. Volunteers will be wearing identifiable clothing that shows they are members of the team.
While snow removal provided by the volunteers of Team Rubicon is at no cost to the homeowner, residents that obtain alternative snow removal assistance will be responsible for paying for the service. The Oswego County Purchasing Department has compiled a list of snow removal services in the county that residents can reach out to if needed. The list has been updated to include information on which companies may be able to provide roof clearing. To view the list, visit https://www.oswegocounty.com/departments/public_information/snow_resources.php.
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